ATLANTA -- With the April 15 tax filing deadline fast approaching, the Georgia Department of Revenue has some reminders for the state's taxpayers.
The quickest and most accurate method to file your return is electronically. If there are no errors on the return, taxpayers should get any refund within two weeks when electronic filing is combined with electronic deposit into a bank account. Depending on when a paper return is mailed, it can take up to 10 weeks to get your refund.
Free electronic filing is available for qualified taxpayers. To determine if you are eligible, review the information posted on the department's Web site at www.dor.ga.gov.
The department discourages taxpayers from using certified mail with return receipt or any other method that requires the recipient's signature. Using any of these methods increases the time required for the return to be delivered and to process the return. This ultimately results in refund delays. Taxpayers who want an official record that their return was mailed are encouraged to either purchase a certificate of mailing from the post office, which is less expensive than certified mail, use first class with delivery confirmation or certified mail with electronic return receipt requested. These methods provide the taxpayer with an official record that they mailed their return and do not slow the return.
The retirement income exclusion for taxpayers who turned 62 or older during 2007 is $30,000. For married couples filing joint returns with both persons receiving retirement income, the maximum adjustment is $60,000. This adjustment also pertains to permanently or totally disabled taxpayers, regardless of age.
Taxpayers need to be vigilant of their personal information during the tax filing season. The IRS has discovered scammers are sending out email messages that appear in different forms and guises, but the basic purpose is the same. They persuade individuals to respond and provide their personal and financial data including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and bank account information. Taxpayers should know that the IRS and the Georgia Department of Revenue do not initiate email correspondence with taxpayers regarding their tax account.
For more information on these topics and others log onto the department's Web site or contact any of the Department's regional offices located throughout the state.
The IRS website is www.irs.gov.
The quickest and most accurate method to file your return is electronically. If there are no errors on the return, taxpayers should get any refund within two weeks when electronic filing is combined with electronic deposit into a bank account. Depending on when a paper return is mailed, it can take up to 10 weeks to get your refund.
Free electronic filing is available for qualified taxpayers. To determine if you are eligible, review the information posted on the department's Web site at www.dor.ga.gov.
The department discourages taxpayers from using certified mail with return receipt or any other method that requires the recipient's signature. Using any of these methods increases the time required for the return to be delivered and to process the return. This ultimately results in refund delays. Taxpayers who want an official record that their return was mailed are encouraged to either purchase a certificate of mailing from the post office, which is less expensive than certified mail, use first class with delivery confirmation or certified mail with electronic return receipt requested. These methods provide the taxpayer with an official record that they mailed their return and do not slow the return.
The retirement income exclusion for taxpayers who turned 62 or older during 2007 is $30,000. For married couples filing joint returns with both persons receiving retirement income, the maximum adjustment is $60,000. This adjustment also pertains to permanently or totally disabled taxpayers, regardless of age.
Taxpayers need to be vigilant of their personal information during the tax filing season. The IRS has discovered scammers are sending out email messages that appear in different forms and guises, but the basic purpose is the same. They persuade individuals to respond and provide their personal and financial data including Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and bank account information. Taxpayers should know that the IRS and the Georgia Department of Revenue do not initiate email correspondence with taxpayers regarding their tax account.
For more information on these topics and others log onto the department's Web site or contact any of the Department's regional offices located throughout the state.
The IRS website is www.irs.gov.